Jacobs Delivers Funding for Buffalo Waterfront Projects

L-R: Explore & More Children's Museum CEO Douglas Love, Senator Chris Jacobs, Buffalo Heritage Carousel President Laurie Hauer-LaDuca and Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Executive Director Capt. Brian Roche announcing $1.5 million in state funding for the three major attractions. Directly behind is the construction site for the new Canalside location of Explore & More.

$1.5 Million in State Funds to Support Major Attractions

(Buffalo, NY) – Standing near the construction site of the new Explore & More Children’s Museum on Buffalo’s waterfront, New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60th SD) announced three state grants that he secured to support the museum, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel project and a major expansion at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.

“The number of visitors at Canalside continues to grow, as does the impact the revitalized waterfront is having on our community,” said Jacobs. “Major investments in these projects will help get them completed as soon as possible, ensuring that we continue to build on the momentum already underway.”

Each project will be the recipient of a $500,000 state grant for a combined investment of $1.5 million in new development and construction.

"Investing in these three waterfront projects in downtown Buffalo and Canalside will continue to shine a spotlight on our City's natural beauty and ensure city residents can further enjoy new and exciting exhibits that create jobs, while attracting even more tourists to one of our City's most popular destinations,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “I thank Senator Jacobs for helping us secure funding for these major attractions.”

Douglas Love, CEO of Explore & More said, “We are very grateful for the Senator’s continued support and vision for Canalside as a family friendly destination. We are about engaging children with exciting, interactive exhibits and programs that will inspire them to discover their world. Also, studies have shown, the Museum’s economic impact will bring approximately $208 million to the area in the next 10 years.”

“On behalf of the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, we are extremely appreciative for this generous support from Senator Jacobs for our solar powered, historic 1924 Spillman Engineering carousel,” said President Laurie Hauer-LaDuca. “These funds will assist in the restoration of the carousel and the design and construction of its building, bringing new life to this rare gem that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

“The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park’s Board of Directors and Staff greatly appreciate Senator Jacobs’ most gracious support of a $500,000 grant for the Park”, said Captain Brian Roche, USCG (ret) and Naval Park Executive Director. “The grant will be used to support the construction of a Hall of Honor. Once completed, the updated building will highlight the heroic actions by Western New York veterans.”

All three projects are anticipated to be completed in late 2018. Jacobs said he believes that the economic impact to the region will be greatly enhanced by these permanent structures.

“The success of these projects will do so much more besides enriching the overall Canalside and waterfront experience for everyone who visits,” said Senator Jacobs. “They will create jobs, attract more visitors and spending from outside the state and region, and further advance our goal of Buffalo’s waterfront becoming a year-round destination,” he concluded.